The Council of Tineo is a part of the Region of Vaqueiros which passes from coastal to inland towns of Asturias and is linked by the tradition of the seasonal migration of the livestock trade. The “vaqueiros” or cattle drivers began to inhabit this part of Asturias in the medieval times and the most distinctive aspect of this that still exists today are the Brañas or highland pastures where they used to breed their cattle. In Tineo you will find the Brañas of Folgueras del Río, Businán, The Tabiernas, La Azorera or Busmeón. Also, Tineo is home to the Vaqueiro Museum where you can found out more about the Vaqueiro way of life.
The area of Tineo is located around the Narcea River and the Esva Basin. It enjoys beautiful mountain and fluvial landscapes and also has a very important gold mining industry. The town of Navelgas is the Asturian capital of Gold where you can witness the National Championship of Goldpanning, visit the Gold Museum and follow the Route of the Roman Mines.
In the town of Tineo you will find the García de Tineo Palace and the Meras Palace from the 16th century, the parish church and the Sacred Museum. The area also has an extensive archaeological and historical patrimony including the Merilles Dolmen, the Medieval Monasteries of Obona and Barcena from the 12th century or the Chapel of San Roque.
The town of Tuña has a marvellous ethnographic example of traditional Asturian architecture and has been awarded with the “Exemplary Town of Asturias Award”. This is an award given by the “Princess of Asturias Foundation” and delivered in person by the King and Queen of Spain. The award shall be conferred upon a town, village, population centre, scenic area or group of people in the Principality of Asturias that have stood out in a notable way in “defending and conserving its natural or environmental setting, its historical, cultural or artistic heritage, or in the carrying out of outstanding communal works or other such displays of solidarity”. For more ethnographic examples you should visit the Forest Museum.
The council of Tineo is a section of the «Primitive Route« of the Route of Santiago but you can also enjoy other routes like the Hoces del Esva Route, The Green Route of Brezo or Navelgas and The Route of Gold.
The Gastronomy in this area is based on a traditional Asturian fare, with stews, Asturian reared beef, Chicken dishes, cured meats, sweet treats and Asturian cheeses but one of the toasts of the area is the cold meats and especially chosco which is made with smoked pork meat and also “Berzas” or cabbage stew.
More info: Tineo Tourist Office
If you want more information contact Where is Asturias at info@whereisasturias.com
Images supplied by Tomás Fano.